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Rhode Island became the 10th U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage Thursday, with Gov. Lincoln Chafee signing the measure into law barely an hour after it was passed by the Rhode Island House. The landmark legislation was the culmination of a 16-year campaign by the state's gay-rights campaigners. "Democracy feels good, doesn't it?" said Democratic House Speaker Gordon Fox, himself a gay man.

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The North Carolina National Guard announced Monday that it will begin processing benefits claims for same-sex couples despite an amendment in the state constitution that bars same-sex couples from getting married. A spokesman said the Guard unit will comply with the Pentagon's directive to extend benefits to same-sex spouses of service members, provided those couples were legally married in states that recognize same-sex marriage. Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana recently indicated they would not process benefits claims for same-sex spouses.

Following passage of a marriage law in Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic says its Minnesota employees who are in same-sex domestic partnerships must marry in order for their partner to retain health insurance. Prior to the law, the company offered benefits to same-sex couples in domestic partnerships. The change is unprecedented among large companies, and it has raised concerns among gay-rights organizations that say married employees could face discrimination if they move to states without marriage equality.

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee on Thursday signed marriage-equality legislation that had been passed earlier in the day by the state Assembly. Beginning Aug. 1, Rhode Island will become the 10th state, along with the District of Columbia, to issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples. "This is a great day in Rhode Island," said House Speaker Gordon Fox, who is openly gay and had tears in his eyes during the final debate on the bill.

Rhode Island appears likely to become the 10th U.S. state, along with the District of Columbia, to end marriage discrimination against same-sex couples. The state Senate this week voted 26-12 in favor of a marriage equality bill sponsored by Sen. Donna Nesselbush, who is an out lesbian. The House, which already passed a version of the bill, is likely to approve the Senate-passed version next week and send it to Gov. Lincoln Chafee, who is expected to sign it, according to House Speaker Gordon D. Fox, who is also openly gay. "We are grateful to Rhode Island's gay and lesbian legislators for standing up for themselves, for their partners, for their families and
for every young person across the state who dreams of one day marrying the person they love," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund.

Gay-rights advocates will be pressing New Jersey legislators to act on a same-sex marriage bill before Gov. Jon Corzine leaves office in early 2010. Corzine lost his re-election bid this month to Chris Christie, who has vowed to veto any same-sex marriage legislation.